Aluminum Flywheel/bolts

[96WhiteTSi]

My question

I am going to install a Fidanza Lightweight Aluminum Flywheel on my 2G. I was looking around on Forced Performance and I found these

Forced Performance Turbochargers: DSM Aluminum Flywheel Hardware Kit


Im just wondering if these are a "must have" or will the factory bolts be fine?

 

[4gst]

I don't think there a must have I've ran that same flywheel for about a year and a half with the stock bolts, and its been fine so far.

 

[LiquidX]

You do not need it at all. All that plate does is equal the force around the flywheel and prevent any gouging that could occur. I've been fine for years without that plate and OEM bolts.

 

[empie1]

I bought that kit just for piece of mind. the stock bolts had 125000+ miles on them...so I just wanted everything to be new. Plus the plate prevents damage to the aluminum by dispensing pressure equally.

 

[LiquidX]

Plus the plate prevents damage to the aluminum by dispensing pressure equally.

No, it's because it's acting as a washer.

All-in-all, get it if you wish, but you can piece it together for cheaper using OEM parts. As mentioned already and in other threads, it's not needed at all so I would just save the money.

 

[empie1]

Right a washer dispenses pressure of the bolt head...the plate is like a giant washer...no need to split hairs...

 

[96WhiteTSi]

Perfect... Thank you for the information.

 

[dwdsm]

My fidanza definatly started to oval out the holes and the corners of the bolts dug into the flywheel after a few years of abusive driving. I could see how something could get loose and parts would be flying. I switched to an ACT flywheel after that.

 

[empie1]

My fidanza definatly started to oval out the holes and the corners of the bolts dug into the flywheel after a few years of abusive driving. I could see how something could get loose and parts would be flying. I switched to an ACT flywheel after that.

Thats the exact reason they sell the plate kit.

 

[SpawnedX]

Many people have done fine for years without that kit.

 

[kthackst]

It is not a big washer it is just a steel plate. If you torque bolts on aluminum you can gouge the aluminum and it will get under the bolts and give you a false torque reading and the bolts will then back out. This will plate just make sure the bolts dont gouge. Its is WAY too thin to act as a washer.

The bolts are longer since the aluminum flywheel is thicker. Even though steel is stronger than aluminum, aluminum has a better strength to weight ratio, so you just need more aluminum to be the same strength as steel.

So basically is a small insurance policy on your flywheel.

 

[LiquidX]

It is not a big washer it is just a steel plate. If you torque bolts on aluminum you can gouge the aluminum and it will get under the bolts

So it's acting as a washer...

This will plate just make sure the bolts dont gouge. Its is WAY too thin to act as a washer.

A washer is just a spacer between two objects mainly a bolt and the threaded object. Regardless if it's metal, plastic, glass, stone, what ever. Ever hear of a neoprene washer, plastic washers, fiber washers etc.?

The bolts are longer since the aluminum flywheel is thicker.

While it MAY be thicker, the bolts are longer due to having the plate there which decreases the amount of usable threads so longer bolts are used to regain those lost threads.

So basically is a small insurance policy on your flywheel.

Correct, one that isn't needed. Only a small handful of people actually have problems.

 

[underradar92]

So it's acting as a washer...

Sort of. A washer will turn with the bolt a bit when tightening/ loosening whereas the plate will stay largely in place, virtually eliminating the smashed aluminium under the bolting surface.

It seemed like such a good idea, I had one made of hardened spring stock for my Soob too.

While it MAY be thicker, the bolts are longer due to having the plate there which decreases the amount of usable threads so longer bolts are used to regain those lost threads.

The bolts are long enough to compensate for the total stack height so, thread engagement is fully restored.

 

[kthackst]

So it's acting as a washer...
A washer is just a spacer between two objects mainly a bolt and the threaded object. Regardless if it's metal, plastic, glass, stone, what ever. Ever hear of a neoprene washer, plastic washers, fiber washers etc.?

While it MAY be thicker, the bolts are longer due to having the plate there which decreases the amount of usable threads so longer bolts are used to regain those lost threads.



Correct, one that isn't needed. Only a small handful of people actually have problems.

My main point was it is not used to distribute force.
Call it a washer if you want but dont say it distributes force.
I dont think you said that but someone in here did.

Thicker flywheel will require a longer bolt. that was the point.

I run this kit on my car and would never do it any other way.

 

[empie1]

My main point was it is not used to distribute force.
Call it a washer if you want but dont say it distributes force.
I dont think you said that but someone in here did.

Thicker flywheel will require a longer bolt. that was the point.

I run this kit on my car and would never do it any other way.

Lol...sorry bud, but it does distribute force. I said it and its true. A washer, or plate or what ever the #### you want to call it provides even pressure around the bolt head where it makes contact...thus preventing gouging. Seriously, I dont know why people on here love to dicker and throw in their .02 over a simple question. He wanted to know about the kit...not your definition of a washer or a plate.

 

[Carlz0r]

Anyone arguing against the fact that the plate will distribute force needs to give their head a shake. Whether it's a single washer, or the full plate, it's going to spread the force more evenly solely because it increases the effective surface area of the bolt head, and it's also going to provide a non-rotating barrier which will prevent damage to the aluminum surface.

Definition of a washer:

Washers can be categorised into three types; plain washers, which spread a load, and prevent damage to the surface being fixed...

From Forced Performance's site:

...It also features a steel shim to protect the surface of the flywheel from galling against the bolt shoulders, increasing the accuracy of your torque settings for the bolts.

Well, would you look at that. A washer spreads a load (because its surface area is larger than that of the bolt head), and prevents galling caused by the shoulders of the bolt-head. This is exactly what the FP Kit does.

That said, though it may not be necessary, what is $45 in the grand scheme of an engine build. I personally think I'll pick up one of these sets.



empie1: Seeing as you have the kit, is the steel shim coated at all, or is it bare metal? If it's bare metal I'd be somewhat worried about galvanic corrosion between the steel and aluminum.

 

[DSMReviver]

from what Carlz0r said, it could also distribute force. According to washer definition; "which spread a load" and also "prevent the damage to surface", and "act as a washer". Okay, sound just like all the above... form what you all been arguing about .

Anyhow if "i" known this product existed when i install my aluminum flywheel. i would pick it up. Really $45 dollar is well spent comparing to thousand of dollars damage from flying flywheel.


Congratulation you are all correct!

 

[empie1]

Anyone arguing against the fact that the plate will distribute force needs to give their head a shake. Whether it's a single washer, or the full plate, it's going to spread the force more evenly solely because it increases the effective surface area of the bolt head, and it's also going to provide a non-rotating barrier which will prevent damage to the aluminum surface.

Definition of a washer:


From Forced Performance's site:


Well, would you look at that. A washer spreads a load (because its surface area is larger than that of the bolt head), and prevents galling caused by the shoulders of the bolt-head. This is exactly what the FP Kit does.

That said, though it may not be necessary, what is $45 in the grand scheme of an engine build. I personally think I'll pick up one of these sets.



empie1: Seeing as you have the kit, is the steel shim coated at all, or is it bare metal? If it's bare metal I'd be somewhat worried about galvanic corrosion between the steel and aluminum.

Nah its coated man...no worries of corrosion. Ive had it for 5 years, and its been on 2 engines, along with the clutch studs and they still look and perform like new. Well worth my $45

 

[Carlz0r]

Nah its coated man...no worries of corrosion. Ive had it for 5 years, and its been on 2 engines, along with the clutch studs and they still look and perform like new. Well worth my $45

Good to know, that sealed the deal for me. Thanks man!